About this Location

Facility Overview

The Eisenhower Parking Deck is a central multi-level parking garage located on the University Park campus of Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in State College, PA. Situated directly along Eisenhower Road, this multi-tier concrete deck provides essential covered and uncovered rooftop parking for university faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors. The structure is designed with standard two-way drive aisles, clear lane striping, directional signage, and accessible stairwells and elevators serving all levels. The garage comfortably accommodates standard passenger sedans, crossovers, minivans, and mid-to-full-size pickup trucks and SUVs. Drivers should observe the posted vehicle clearance limit (typically 7 feet 0 inches), meaning high-roof commercial cargo vans, vehicles with tall roof cargo carriers, and oversized campers should seek alternative surface lot options on campus.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned in the heart of the east-central campus district, the Eisenhower Parking Deck serves as the primary parking facility for arts, academics, and administrative destinations at Penn State:

Eisenhower Auditorium: Located directly across the street (a 1-minute walk), making this garage the premier designated parking area for touring Broadway shows, world-class orchestral concerts, and university lectures.
Penn State Berkey Creamery: Approximately an 8-minute walk (0.4 miles) north, ideal for visitors grabbing famous Penn State ice cream.
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center & Center for Performing Arts: Within a 3 to 5-minute stroll.
Thomas Building, Schwab Auditorium, and Old Main: Accessible within a scenic 6 to 10-minute walk through the campus core.
Bryce Jordan Center, Pegula Ice Arena, and Beaver Stadium: Situated roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the east, or accessible within minutes via campus shuttles during major athletic events.
Downtown State College: A convenient 12 to 15-minute walk south down Allen Street or Shortlidge Road to vibrant local restaurants, cafes, and apparel shops.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are positioned directly along Eisenhower Road, which connects smoothly to Shortlidge Road and Bigler Road, funneling traffic out toward Park Avenue to the north and East College Avenue (PA Route 26) to the south. Visitors traveling from outside State College can effortlessly access campus via Interstate 99 / US Route 322. Local transit access is exceptional: the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) operates frequent campus loops (including the Blue Loop and White Loop) and campus connector shuttles (Red Link and Green Link) with stops adjacent to the deck, offering fast, fare-free connections across the entire Penn State campus.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Multi-level structured parking offering shelter from central Pennsylvania winter snow, sleet, and summer heat.
Designated ADA-accessible parking stalls situated near elevator banks and pedestrian pathways.
Modern pay-by-plate digital payment integration via the ParkMobile app, supplemented by walk-up pay stations.
Bright LED interior lighting and 24/7 Penn State University Police patrol presence with emergency blue-light call boxes nearby.
Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available on select tiers for campus commuters.

Ideal For

Patrons attending theatrical performances, musical shows, and guest speaker engagements at Eisenhower Auditorium.
Prospective students, families, and official university guests visiting the central academic core.
Alumni and eventgoers seeking covered parking near central campus before boarding campus transit to Beaver Stadium or the Bryce Jordan Center.
Daily campus faculty, staff, and authorized permit holders working in nearby academic halls.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Auditorium Events: During major evening events at Eisenhower Auditorium, the deck can experience heavy inbound and outbound queues. Arrive at least 45 minutes prior to curtain call to secure a space and exit smoothly.
Permit Regulations: Penn State Transportation Services actively enforces permit zones. Always verify whether standard visitor hourly rates apply or if parking is permit-restricted during core business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Mobile Payment: Download and set up the ParkMobile app beforehand to pay for your parking zone without waiting in line at the physical pay stations.
Departures: Following large events, consider waiting 15 to 20 minutes or enjoying a stroll across campus to avoid the initial rush exiting onto Eisenhower Road.